Donnelly enjoying congressional freshman orientation

New representative will learn where his office is today.

New representative will learn where his office is today.

November 17, 2006|JAMES WENSITS Tribune Political Writer

For Congressman-elect Joe Donnelly, it is the best of times, with no worst-of-times so far. "Nobody's lobbied me, yet," joked Donnelly, although he might be hard for a lobbyist to find, seeing as how the congressman-to-be still doesn't have either an office or a home in the capital. Donnelly is in Washington, D.C., this week, going through freshman orientation, congressional style, and he's enjoying every minute. "I'm having fun," an exuberant Donnelly told The Tribune. The euphoria may not last, but, for now at least, the newest members of Congress are getting a full share of attention. The orientation effort already has led to a tour of the White House and a reception for new members, during which Donnelly got to meet with President Bush. "He's very gracious," said Donnelly, recalling his brief conversation with the president. There was also a tour of the Capitol Building that Donnelly called "humbling." "They showed us where Lincoln sat and where the people who formed the nation sat," Donnelly said. "I'm honored by the opportunity. It is very humbling," he said again, clearly meaning it. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve." Donnelly, whose term begins in January, has about six weeks to get his new office up and running, hire staff members and make other decisions, such as the location and staffing of offices back in the congressional district. According to Donnelly, veteran U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, who has long represented northwest Indiana's 1st Congressional District, has volunteered to help Donnelly and Indiana's other two new congressmen, Baron Hill, D-9th, and Brad Ellsworth, D-8th, set up their offices. Actually, Hill already has served in Congress and probably doesn't need much in the way of help in establishing his office. "Baron comes along as a courtesy," Donnelly quipped. One of the week's major events will take place this morning. That's when the new members will enter a lottery to determine the order in which they get to choose available office suites. The actual office selection will take place this afternoon. Faced with a similar situation four years ago, Brooks Kochvar, Chocola's chief of staff, drew the 44th selection out of 53. As a result, Chocola ended up in 510 Cannon, the top floor of the oldest of the three House office buildings. Although the office is somewhat remotely located, it has the distinction of having been occupied by Richard Nixon when he was a member of Congress. Rather than get into the lottery two years ago, Chocola decided to keep the office, although he joked that he was afraid that if he let Kochvar draw again they might end up on the roof. Donnelly said he isn't picky about where his new office will be. "I'm just happy to be in the lottery," he said. "Any place is fine." In addition to not having an office, Donnelly also doesn't have a staff. He has been looking at resumes submitted by applicants who hope to work for the new congressman, but hasn't made any staffing decisions for either his Washington or district offices. Donnelly also is considering placement of his 2nd District offices, but hasn't figured out where they will be, except in general terms. "We will have district offices in South Bend and Logansport," Donnelly said. He said he also intends to have an office in LaPorte, but likely will not staff it every day. On a more personal level, Donnelly said he will continue to make his home in Granger, and is looking for an apartment in the D.C. area where he can stay while serving in Congress. Until he can find a place of his own, Donnelly said he will stay with relatives.